CO129-116 - Sir MacDonnell - 1866 [11-12] — Page 38

CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案 All AI Reviewed

37

best portions of the Chinese Quarter of the Town. Unfortunately there was a strong wind blowing at the time, and owing to the very large quantity of wood used in Chinese houses, the fire had gained so much strength before effective measures could be taken for stopping it, that no less than 136 houses were burned—many of them being amongst the best Chinese Residences in the Town. For several days afterwards I had to station a strong guard with Fire Engine on the ruins before all danger of the fire's breaking out a second time had subsided.

2.

For some time previously the great depression in trade prevailing here had caused much distress amongst the Chinese trading class, and this calamity has therefore been felt more severely than under an ordinary state of things. It has however been of use in proving the wisdom of the steps taken by this Government for securing a more plentiful supply of water under high pressure. Had such a supply been forthcoming on the 30th Ultimo, 100 houses would probably have been saved.

4.

All classes seemed to do their duty—Naval, Military, and Civilian—the most apathetic and inactive being the Chinese themselves.

5.

The expediency of forming a special Fire Brigade to assist the Police and Military on such occasion is now under...

Edit History

2026-05-19 12:04:50 · NVIDIA / meta/llama-4-maverick-17b-128e-instruct
Live
View comparison
AI Proofread
37 best portions of the Chinese Quarter of the Town. Unfortunately there was a strong wind blowing at the time, and owing to the very large quantity of wood used in Chinese houses, the fire had gained so much strength before effective measures could be taken for stopping it, that no less than 136 houses were burned—many of them being amongst the best Chinese Residences in the Town. For several days afterwards I had to station a strong guard with Fire Engine on the ruins before all danger of the fire's breaking out a second time had subsided. 2. For some time previously the great depression in trade prevailing here had caused much distress amongst the Chinese trading class, and this calamity has therefore been felt more severely than under an ordinary state of things. It has however been of use in proving the wisdom of the steps taken by this Government for securing a more plentiful supply of water under high pressure. Had such a supply been forthcoming on the 30th Ultimo, 100 houses would probably have been saved. 4. All classes seemed to do their duty—Naval, Military, and Civilian—the most apathetic and inactive being the Chinese themselves. 5. The expediency of forming a special Fire Brigade to assist the Police and Military on such occasion is now under...
Baseline (Original)
37 best portions of the Chinese Quarter of the Town. Herfortunately there Mas a. shiong wind blowing at the time, and oving to The very large quantity of word used in Chinese houses, the fire had building gained so much strength before effective measures could be taken for stopping it, that no lefs than 136 houses were burned- waccy of them being amongst the best Chines Residences in the Town. For sivual day afterwards I had to station a to with Fire Enginer de play on strong guard the ruins before all danger of the fire's breathing out a second lime had subsided. 2. A or some time previously the great depresion in trade prevailing here had caused unch distress amongst the Chinese trading claps, and this calamity has than > therefore been felt more severely throw under a mart ordinary state of things. It has howww bun of use in Vide Goremo proving the wisdom of the to sex of stats, WłasMAARI Ffor nów nerous for any being a depiled by this Government for securing 1846. a more plentiful supply of water under high pressure. Wad such a supply been forthcoming on the 50th Ulling, 100 houses world probably have been saved. 4. All clafer sumed to do their duty Naval, Military, and Civilian, the mat y; apartistic and inactive bring the Chinese thumselves. d. The expediency of forming a sfucial Fire Brigads to assist the Police and Military an such ecasion now-imder
2026-05-19 12:04:50 · Baseline
View content

37

best portions of the Chinese Quarter of the

Town. Herfortunately there

Mas

a.

shiong

wind blowing at the time, and oving to The very large quantity of word used in

Chinese houses, the fire had

building

gained

so much strength before effective measures could be taken for stopping it,

that no

lefs than 136 houses were burned-

waccy of them being amongst the best Chines

Residences in the Town. For sivual day

afterwards I had to station a

to

with Fire Enginer de play on

strong guard

the ruins before

all danger of the fire's breathing out a second

lime had subsided.

2.

A or

some time previously the great depresion in trade prevailing here had caused unch distress amongst the Chinese

trading claps, and this calamity

has

than

>

therefore been felt more severely throw under

a mart

ordinary state of things.

It has howww bun of use in

Vide Goremo proving the wisdom of the

to sex of stats,

WłasMAARI

Ffor

nów

nerous for any being a depiled by this Government for securing

1846.

a more

plentiful supply of water under

high pressure. Wad such a supply been forthcoming on the 50th Ulling, 100 houses world probably have been saved.

4.

All clafer sumed to do their duty Naval, Military, and Civilian, the mat

y;

apartistic and inactive bring the Chinese

thumselves.

d.

The expediency of forming a sfucial Fire Brigads to assist the Police and

Military

an

such

ecasion

now-imder

Comments

Approved members can add comments, bookmarks, and private notes.

No comments yet.

Private Research Note

Private notes are available after approval.